Programming guide

Read an error message and stack trace calmly

Work out what an error message means, find the line that caused it and fix the real cause instead of guessing or rewriting code blindly.

Estimated time: 15–30 minutesUpdated: 28 September 2026

Use this guide when your program crashes or prints a long error you do not understand. Have the full error output, the code and a way to rerun the program ready.

Step by step

  1. Copy the whole error

    Copy the complete error output into a note rather than reading it in a scrolling terminal. The most useful information is often at the very top or bottom, not in the middle. Keep the exact text, as small details matter.

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